Prep Time: 15 minutes | Chill Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 32 pinwheels | Difficulty: Easy
Why These Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll-Ups Are Holiday Party Gold
Get ready to become the star of every holiday gathering with these stunning Christmas cranberry roll-ups! These elegant little pinwheels combine creamy, tangy filling with sweet-tart dried cranberries and fresh herbs, all wrapped in soft flour tortillas for the perfect bite-sized appetizer. The gorgeous red cranberries and green chives create beautiful Christmas colors that look absolutely festive on any party platter. Each bite delivers a delightful contrast of flavors – creamy cream cheese, salty feta, fresh herbs, and bursts of sweet cranberries that practically scream “holiday celebration!” This make-ahead appetizer is a busy host’s dream, requiring zero cooking and just five simple ingredients that come together in minutes. Perfect for Christmas parties, potluck dinners, or casual family gatherings when you want something special without the stress.
Table of Contents
Simple Ingredients for Maximum Holiday Impact
For the Creamy Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese – softened to room temperature for easy mixing
- 1 cup feta cheese – crumbled, use good quality for best flavor
- ⅓ cup fresh chives – finely chopped, or substitute green onion tops
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder – adds subtle savory depth
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper – freshly ground preferred
For Assembly:
- 1½ cups dried cranberries – Ocean Spray or Craisins work perfectly
- 4 large flour tortillas – 10-inch size, room temperature for easy rolling
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese – extra for sealing edges if needed
Easy Christmas Cranberry Roll-Ups
Equipment
- Electric mixer or large bowl
- Sharp serrated knife
- Plastic wrap
- Serving platter
Ingredients
Creamy Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese Softened to room temperature for easy mixing
- 1 cup feta cheese Crumbled, use good quality for best flavor
- ⅓ cup fresh chives Finely chopped, or substitute green onion tops
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder Adds subtle savory depth
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper Freshly ground preferred
Assembly
- 1½ cups dried cranberries Ocean Spray or Craisins work perfectly
- 4 large flour tortillas 10-inch size, room temperature for easy rolling
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese Extra for sealing edges if needed
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This ensures smooth, lump-free filling that spreads easily.
- Add crumbled feta, chopped chives, garlic powder, and black pepper to the cream cheese. Fold in dried cranberries and mix until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Lay tortillas flat on a clean work surface. If they’re cold, let them come to room temperature to prevent cracking during rolling.
- Divide filling evenly among tortillas (about ½ cup per tortilla). Spread mixture evenly over entire surface, leaving a ½-inch border around edges to prevent filling from squeezing out.
- Starting from one end, roll each tortilla as tightly as possible without tearing. The tighter the roll, the better your slices will hold together.
- Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap, twisting ends to seal. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm. This crucial step ensures clean, neat slices.
- Using a sharp serrated knife, trim ends and slice each roll into ¾-inch thick pinwheels. Arrange on serving platter with cranberry sides facing up for beautiful presentation.
Notes
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Roll-Ups
- Create the Creamy Base (3 minutes): In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This ensures smooth, lump-free filling that spreads easily.
- Mix the Filling (2 minutes): Add crumbled feta, chopped chives, garlic powder, and black pepper to the cream cheese. Fold in dried cranberries and mix until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Prepare Tortillas (1 minute): Lay tortillas flat on a clean work surface. If they’re cold, let them come to room temperature to prevent cracking during rolling.
- Spread and Fill (5 minutes): Divide filling evenly among tortillas (about ½ cup per tortilla). Spread mixture evenly over entire surface, leaving a ½-inch border around edges. This prevents filling from squeezing out.
- Roll Tightly (3 minutes): Starting from one end, roll each tortilla as tightly as possible without tearing. The tighter the roll, the better your slices will hold together.
- Secure and Chill (1 hour): Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap, twisting ends to seal. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm. This crucial step ensures clean, neat slices.
- Slice and Serve (2 minutes): Using a sharp serrated knife, trim ends and slice each roll into ¾-inch thick pinwheels. Arrange on serving platter with cranberry sides facing up for beautiful presentation.
Expert Tips for Picture-Perfect Appetizers
These Christmas cranberry roll-ups prove that elegant party food doesn’t have to be complicated! Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making them perfect for holiday meal prep. Serve alongside our dill pickle dip and cheesesteak dip for a crowd-pleasing appetizer spread. These roll-ups also pair beautifully with our honey bun cake for a complete holiday dessert table. Try them with our Mexican lasagna for a festive dinner party combination. Love make-ahead recipes? Follow us on Pinterest for more holiday entertaining solutions that wow your guests!
FAQ About Christmas Cranberry Roll-Ups
Can I make these Christmas roll-ups ahead of time?
Absolutely! These are perfect make-ahead appetizers. Prepare them up to 24 hours in advance and keep wrapped in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve overnight as they meld together.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
Try goat cheese for a milder flavor, blue cheese for something bolder, or cream cheese for extra smoothness. For dairy-free options, use vegan cream cheese and skip the feta, adding extra herbs and seasonings instead.
Why do my roll-ups fall apart when I slice them?
Make sure to chill them for at least 1 hour before slicing, roll them tightly, and use a sharp serrated knife with a gentle sawing motion. Don’t press straight down – this can squish the filling out.
Can I use different dried fruits instead of cranberries?
Q: A: Yes! Try dried cherries, chopped dried apricots, or even golden raisins. Just make sure pieces are small enough that they don’t interfere with rolling and slicing.
How do I prevent the tortillas from getting soggy?
Use room temperature tortillas, don’t overfill with cream cheese mixture, and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Store in an airtight container and slice just before serving for best texture.
What other herbs work well in this recipe?
Fresh dill, parsley, or even green onion tops work beautifully. For dried herbs, use about 1 tablespoon total of dried chives or herb blend instead of fresh.
Can I freeze these roll-ups?
It’s not recommended as the cream cheese and tortillas don’t freeze well together. However, you can freeze the unrolled filling for up to 1 month and thaw before assembling.